Best Light Photographic BLOG: Revisiting the Nikon 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6D Legacy Lens

Monday, September 25, 2017

Revisiting the Nikon 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6D Legacy Lens

Image Copyright Midwest Photo Exchange (www.mpex.com)

We've had this lens for a while so I thought that I would circle round again and post on how it has fared after our original post!

There is nothing I have against modern lenses. I own quite a few and use them whenever I feel they are the best tool for the job. Sometimes, though, I can't explain precisely why, but I love to use some older glass. It might be the feel of them along with the way that they render images.

It could also be that some of these lenses, long forgotten by most, a fraction of their value on the used market have way more value than that dollar sign marked on it at the store.

For me, that last sentence is what really speaks to me about this lens. Lots of plastic here, auto focus is slow by modern lens standards. Put this on my Nikon Df and something magical happens. It renders colors how I like it. The lower contrast gives you that little bit extra room to work in post. I'd rather it be lower contrast than too much.

While it will not blow your socks off on any MTF chart - it is sharp enough for most use. If I need something in lower light, I'll go for a faster zoom or prime...but in normal shooting conditions - I see very little to get down on this sub $100 F-mount lens.

I'll let the images below speak for themselves. All taken with the Nikon Df.